Suspected poisoning of up to 80 birds in Meath under investigation

The suspected poisoning of up to 80 birds in the Donore area of Co Meath is being investigated, amid suspicion a banned substance was used.

Toxicology and post mortem exams are being carried out by the Department of Agriculture to determine how the birds including rooks, jackdaws and seagulls died.

Their bodies were found in an area close to the World Heritage Brú na Bóinne site last Friday.

According the Irish Independent, the National Parks and Wildlife Service have described it as the worst kill they have seen in 12 years.